When you don't have access to Wi-Fi or you're in remote areas without coverage, those who have mobile data have a treasure. And it's that in places and situations where, for whatever reason, you can't have access to the Internet via Wi-Fi, there is a alternative that provides internet to other mobile usersWe are talking about the wifi hotspots available on Android phones. These access points work as a router where other users can connect and enjoy the Internet.If you don't know how to configure this access point, keep reading and I'll tell you.
What is a wifi hotspot?
The access point is a proprietary functionality on Android devices which allows us to use our mobile as a router. Even though a network expert will tell you that it is not the same, and it is not, In practice you can use this feature as a router and provide internet access to other devices.
Whether you're on a tablet, another mobile phone, or even a computer, as long as it has Wi-Fi connectivity, it can access another device's Wi-Fi hotspot. However, to provide Internet access, The mobile phone used as a Wi-Fi hotspot must have an active data planIf you are using a Wi-Fi hotspot and when you connect you see that you do not have Internet access, this may mean that the mobile phone that is "transmitting" via Wi-Fi is not connected to a data plan.
What is a wifi access point for?
In what situations is the wifi hotspot used? Well, for many situations. If you are in an area with poor coverage and other devices do not have coverage, you can use your own to give access to the rest. This also happens when you have your laptop with you but you do not have Wi-Fi, you can set up the point to connect to the Internet momentarily from the laptop. And so on, there are countless situations where the Wi-Fi access point is interesting.
This point is easily activated on Android devices, It is usually accessible from the top drop-down menu on any Android mobile.I'll tell you how to activate and configure it.
Activating a Wi-Fi hotspot on Android is really simple, just tap the button in the top menu. But what really interests us is the Possibility to configure it to set an access password or even limit the data that connected devices can use, a good way to share but ensuring that your data is not used up.
You can also see who is connected to the wifi hotspot. And there is an option to Share internet access via Bluetooth or USB connection, options that were not possible to use before but that with Android updates are now a reality. Or for example we can change the level of security in access. All of this is possible from the menu that I am going to show you below.
How to set up a wifi hotspot on Android
So, to enter to configure these options you can take out the sliding settings menu in Android. Then you have to hold down on the button shaped like a wifi signal next to a small two-link chain. You can even create a shortcut for this function.
The Wi-Fi hotspot configuration menu will open. But if you want to access it in the traditional way Follow these steps and in a few minutes you will be able to share your mobile data connection with other devices.
- Open the «Settings» from your mobile from the gear that you find in the top menu on Android.
- Hit the option that says «Portable hotspot».
- You will see a selector next to the option “Portable hotspot” – leave it checked.
- Now that you have activated the hotspot, tap on «Set up wifi hotspot» that you have next to the previous option.
- You will see a couple of text spaces for the network name and password. Tap on “Password” and change it for more privacy.
- You can choose advanced security settings tapping on “Security” and selecting the most secure setting.
- Finally, I recommend that you return to the previous menu and find the option for «Disable hotspot automatically» so that it turns off automatically if it is not used (this function consumes a lot of resources from our mobile).
Ready, starting from Now the rest of the devices can connect to your access point using the password you just set.. And as I was saying, this function quickly drains the mobile battery, try to have a charger on hand since you can get an unpleasant surprise when you run out of battery.
As you have seen, with these steps you can turn your mobile into a portable router. It is useful in many moments where there is no other Wi-Fi connection available. I hope this guide has been useful to you and remember to be prepared. Share this article with your friends before you lose internet on mobile next time.